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Our
first wheel chair was kind of a basket case,
donated by the son (who is also in a wheel
chair) of a World War II Bronze Star Winner
named Jewel Larsen. The chair was Jewels and
was in pretty rough shape. Jewel's wish was
that the chair be used in some way to help a
Vet. After receiving the chair from
son Lynn Larsen. We contacted Brett Waters
or
DeeRay's Autobody and Restoration in
Shelley, ID. We worked with Brett to design
the chair for a specific Vietnam Veteran
living in the
Pocatello, Idaho Veterans Home. Patrick
is a Vietnam Vet and former Navy Seal. The
right side of his body is paralyzed, along
with other mobility problems.
After
replacing the controller, and installing new
batteries, the chair was delivered to
DeeRay's Autobody, where Brett and his sons
dissembled and cleaned the chair, repairing
any mechanical problems. The chair was then
painted in a computer color matched "Huey
Green" and Black. New tires were installed
and a complety remanufactured black
leatherette and memory foam seat and
armrests were installed. Two period and
armory correct M16 rounds were emptied of
powder, de primed and mounted on the back
wheel pivot points. Decals and the VVA logo
were created by Sign Arts in Idaho Falls and
installed on the fenders in military jeep
style.
The
chair was delivered to The Pocatello
Veterans Home on 6 November 2014. With a
ceremony pictured below the chair was given
to Patrick by the representatives of the
chapter, and Brett Waters. Staff at the home
say Patrick has never been happier. |
